Glad you're liking the stock size PSS. I felt the same way when I made that move. My new ride came with PZero's, they're a lot better than the Conti's but I like the PSS's handling and lower noise a little better. Grip seems about the same though. Rumour has it that Michelin will eventually do a 285/30-19. I'd stick with the 245 up front though.

I have these Continental Contisport 3 tires and have no complaints with them.

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What aspect of "handling" are you referring to? Yes, the steering response is fine. The overall composure of the chassis is fine. I am really talking about grip when you make sudden moves with the car like sudden hard punches on the throttle, especially on turns. Also much improved, is the feeling of grip as you accelerate through a turn. Less fish-tailing and wheelspin when the DSC is off. You can still slide the car when you want, but it is far more controlled and predictable.

Sudden hard punches on the throttle while in a turn is a not the best way to go around a corner by any means.But I do know what you mean about the grip,PSS have more overall grip and better ride quality.I actually like to hang the tail out once in a while and the conti's are very perdictable and controllable,not an issue with me at all. Even at the track I was able to steer with the rear end on the throttle coming out of turns,no sudden step outs or unperdictable characteristics at all.Very progressive actually.I like the conti's but will go for PSS very soon for a change.

I have these Continental Contisport 3 tires and have no complaints with them.

Well, if you are satisfied with them, then that's great for you. $1200 saved !! I always felt from day one that the car needed more grip. My feelings were confirmed when I drove an M3 that actually did have more grip. It was then that I fully realized how deficient the Contis were. The difference isn't subtle either.

1. Slightly heavier tires
2. I like the steering feel/responsiveness with 245's on the front
3. 255 PSS would mean I would have to ditch my spacers to prevent rubbing and I really like the filled out look that the spacers give me.
4. Not sure that there is a big increase in contact patch on the ZCP width wheels.

Did think about doing 275's in the rear. Would have gone with 285/30 if it was available, but PSS don't come in that size. In any case, I am happy with the PSS in stock size.

Glad to hear vijay. I wonder how it compares to the hankook rs3. I do think the hankooks have better dry handling, but worse wet grip, noisier and stiffer ride, and less tread life but the grip is awesome compared to the ps2 tire. Would love to try the pss in my next set.

In all reality, there isn't much weight difference between 245 and 255. It is one pound. However a .85lb spacer fitted to the hub is still different from one pound of rotating mass 13" away from the hub. This is also why lighter tires are really more important even than lighter wheels. It is the location of the extra weight that matters most. Adding a spacer is no different than a little more metal on the hub.

245's push on this car. 255 better, 265 even better, 275 perfect.

This is subjective and depends on your intended purpose. Sure, for the track, you want maximal grip. For street driving, however, I prefer the sharper steering response of the narrower front tire. Wider tires have their downside too. More noise and more rolling resistance, especially as the tires wear. Still, a 265/35/18 and 285/35/18 is probably what I might consider the best overall set-up for an M3, all factors considered. I almost went this route, but I spent the money on my ZCP wheels and didn't want to just ditch them.

conti's are slower but not dangerous at all.

No, not dangerous. The DSC saves you, but it was kicking in all the time, constantly cutting power, and with the DSC off there was less of a safety margin than I cared for on the street with its associated street hazards.

i love PSS, but wouldn't swap until use up current tires. if buying new ones, no way would i pick oem sizes. too much understeer!

Again, personal preference. I find the M3 nicely balanced for spirited street driving. The steering is perfect for my tastes.

Over the years, I have seen too many people mod their cars to become more and more like pure race machines when this isn't how the cars are really ever driven. Maybe a few track days here and there. I encourage people to think about what will give then the most driving enjoyment in their real world driving circumstance, and not what might give them the best lap time on some isolated track run, or what exhaust will get the most attention at that random once-a-year car show.

Not really a fair comparison, since the Conti competes with the PS2, and the PSS is a newer better tire. I was disappointed to get the Conti instead of PS2s, but they haven't been that bad. Yeah, Michelin's pricing strategy is funny, I guess charge less on a better tire to get people hooked, or maybe keep people paying top dollar for a last gen tire whose development costs are already fully amortized. Anyway, hopefully I can replace my Contis with PSS tires before Michelin starts jacking the price up.

Sudden hard punches on the throttle while in a turn is a not the best way to go around a corner by any means.But I do know what you mean about the grip,PSS have more overall grip and better ride quality.I actually like to hang the tail out once in a while and the conti's are very perdictable and controllable,not an issue with me at all. Even at the track I was able to steer with the rear end on the throttle coming out of turns,no sudden step outs or unperdictable characteristics at all.Very progressive actually.I like the conti's but will go for PSS very soon for a change.

Switch out wheels about every 3 weeks or so.....220's with Conti's are definitely fun around corners - doubt I'll get new rears on the 220's until I see cords

Yeah I am fine with my tires. Still on my first set. I imagine for everyday driving they are fine but maybe if you are being a little more aggressive different tires would make a difference. I really have no experience with other tires on this car so I just can not say for certain.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarThaL

Well, if you are satisfied with them, then that's great for you. $1200 saved !! I always felt from day one that the car needed more grip. My feelings were confirmed when I drove an M3 that actually did have more grip. It was then that I fully realized how deficient the Contis were. The difference isn't subtle either.

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If you will be purchasing ANY AT&T services online or in store could you mention that you were referred by me? My Employee Referral ID is eo4489. This would be a great help and it costs you nothing, thank you!

For those of you who purchased a 2011 model with the Continental Contisport 3 tires, I have some very serious advice:

CHANGE YOUR TIRES !!!!!

Even if you are staying stock or near stock. You have no idea how much the performance of your car is being compromised by these tires. What was BMW thinking when they selected these?!?! Honestly....they should offer to replace them for free!!! I am assuming they just had no idea how bad these were. After a week on my Michelin PSS in stock sizes, I can tell you that my car is really transformed. Steering response is a little sharper. Grip is just so much better. Rear feels completely planted now. Previously, I always felt the rear end was going to come loose even with modestly aggressive driving. So much more confidence inspiring.

Agreed 100%, I think my Nitto Invos are a better tire than the Contis that came on the car